MacOS app requires xattr -cr before launching

[samithwimalana]

Bug: macOS app requires xattr -cr before launching

Description

The macOS application FixYL.app cannot be opened normally.
Before launching, I must manually run:

xattr -cr /Applications/FixYL.app

Without this, macOS blocks the app or shows warnings such as:

"App is damaged and can’t be opened"

"Developer cannot be verified"

"App is from an unidentified developer"

This should not be required for end users.

Expected Behavior
The app should launch normally on macOS without requiring any terminal commands.

Actual Behavior
macOS marks the application as quarantined.

The app will not open unless extended attributes are manually removed using xattr -cr.

Steps to Reproduce
Download FixYL.app

Move it into /Applications

Attempt to open it

macOS blocks the launch

Run xattr -cr /Applications/FixYL.app

App works after that

Environment
macOS version: (e.g., macOS Sonoma 14.5)

Chipset: (Intel or Apple Silicon)

App version: (insert)

Likely Cause
The application bundle is not code-signed, notarized, or was zipped using non-macOS tooling (which causes the quarantine attribute to be applied).

Suggested Fix
Properly code-sign the app with a Developer ID certificate

Notarize the build using Apple’s Notary Service

Staple the notarization ticket to the app

Package the app using macOS (e.g., ditto -c -k or a DMG)

Once signed + notarized + packaged correctly, macOS will stop applying the quarantine flag and xattr -cr will no longer be needed.